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xilix
12-06-2005, 05:51 PM
Newbie warning!

I used to be into RTR R/C Cars when I was younger (10-15 years old), but then got into BMX racing and almost forgot about the hobby all together. Recently I ran across an R/C car video and, well, you know how it goes. Now I want one in the worst way.

The RTR package I bought last was (don't laugh at me!) at Radio Shack when I was 14 years old (I'm 24 now). It was an Air Beam Turbo. It was pretty fast for what it was. It had a 540 motor and ran on a 7.2 volt pack. I made the mistake of running it without the body and of course, it flipped over and the electronics were damaged.

I'm interested in finally purchasing another (electric) RTR R/C Car, but have noticed that even the more professional, expensive kits have less features than even my Radio Shack RTR kit did. Things such as "Digital Proportional" Radio control (do they even call it that anymore?) are an absolute MUST for me, as I like to have 100% complete control over the cars' acceleration and steering. I've noticed that a lot of the Tamiya and other vendors' RTR packages only include a two-step acceleration option (or maybe I'm mistaken?)? I am interested in getting an RTR package that can grow with me and be upgradable, but at the same time be a great out-of-the-box experience with full digital proportional steering and acceleration. I'm pretty much an officially re-born newbie, so please be gentle. I've been reading up on the meaning of motor turns (20T, 16T ect.) as well as many other aspects of this hobby, but still have a lot to learn. I have searched google for digital proportional R/C cars and have come up with nothing that is upgradable. :confused:

I have looked at a few items on E-bay and ran across a few that interest me. One being a Tamiya Mustang SVT Cobra (TOL1). I did more research and found that it only does 15.67 MPH? My Radio Shack RTR did 18mph and it was much cheaper. This is a frustrating hobby to get back into because of the budget I'm on. I'm looking to spend no more than $150-$200, and get a minimum of 20mph top speed. Is the TOL1 capable of big motor upgrades?

So to re-cap: 20mph, Upgradability, Electric powered, and digital proportional control are what I need. Any tips to help me revive this hobby are greatly appreciated. And as a side-note, I am not opposed to used items, but do prefer 1:10 scale because I see more Mustang bodies for those than any other scale (I own a real 2000 Mustang GT so I want my R/C car to match it). Thanks in advance.

LD3Furious
12-06-2005, 06:17 PM
If your looking to go electric on road...two of your best bets would be...
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=LOSA0285

Or...

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKBT2&P=ML

Rest assured...either of these two will blow you ( and your Radio Shack-no offense meant) away. Both are upgradeable in many ways...chassis, radio equipment, etc...and both are relatively inexpensive. Although both go over your budget a little....I guarantee you will find it will be well worth it.

tadium54
12-06-2005, 06:24 PM
yeah, either of those are your best bets for cheap speed.either can have higher performance motors installed when needed. you could even go for a tc3 if you wanted

supernitro_guy1
12-06-2005, 07:51 PM
yeah, i would look into the TC3 if you're budget is really limited at $200. other alternatives (budget-wise) would be the Traxxas 4-tech (Electric version) which should be around 20 mph out of the box, and can be augraded slightly, but you should be quite happy with it, it runs for about 170 dollars. Kyosho and tamiya make many RTR kits, but the upgradeability (sp) is not as great as the Associated cars or traxxas or losi.

Jeckler
12-06-2005, 11:17 PM
*All* "Hobby grade" cars feature fully proportional steering. Any car/truck/boat that comes with an ESC is also fully proportional. The term "digital proportional" is a gimmick and a misnomer anyway, as it's an analog signal, with a couple exceptions. The only time you'll see it used is for a manufacturer who's main line is left/right/on/off, and needs to specify it for their "higher quality" vehicles.. Get it out of your head. Stick with the well known hobby grade brands (Radio Shack, Tyco and Nikko are NOT hobby grade) and you'll be fine.
Some well knowns...... and I'm *SURE* I missed some.
Cars: Associated, Losi, Yokomo, Tamiya, Kyosho, Traxxas, HPI, CEN, XTM, Duratrax
Radios: Futaba, Airtronics, KO Propo, JR, Spektrum,
ESC's: Novak, Tekin, Futaba, Tamiya, Mtroniks, Duratrax, Associated/LRP

xilix
12-07-2005, 01:01 AM
How is DURATRAX for an upgradable RTR? I know I was originally aimed at On-Road but I read some reviews and it looks like I would be getting more bang-per-dollar getting the DURATRAX Evader. I'm not seeing any motor upgrades on the DURATRAX site at all.

Anyway, all-in-all I don't want to be too much of a bother. I can get a Tamiya TL01 for a steal right now, so I'm going to go ahead and get that right away before it's gone and try to slam a better motor (and ESC) into it if possible. And I will probably get a more flexable RTR or build myself a custom car when spring comes. Thanks for the help guys! I'll post pics up when my car arrives.

kawasakirider
12-07-2005, 02:02 AM
is ther any particular reason u dont want to save up for a while and buy nitro?

xilix
12-07-2005, 02:24 AM
I am more interested in electric right now because it can be used indoors. I will almost definately get myself a nitro car in the future, but for now it's just not a reasonable option. Electric is just more of a practical option right now, and to be honest, I think a Nitro car might be a little too much for me to handle as this is my first hobby R/C car purchase. I'd probably break it in a week.

tadium54
12-07-2005, 03:36 AM
any 540 sized rc motor will fit the evader just fine. as for hop ups, it doesn;t have a huge aftermarket for it, but the losi xxt and it share some parts, so thats could always work. it doesn't need anything out of the box if memory serves tho- its pretty decent in stock form

psiturbo
12-07-2005, 06:00 AM
THe Traxxas E Rustler is not that bad, I think that on ultimatehobbies you can get free shipping for around 100 or so bucks which is not bad. If you have a thick vane for torque and pure HP look no further and get a Nitro RTR, be it OFNA, Kyosho, Sportwerks, etc etc...

Team Associated has very high quality electric cars, not to bashing type, but more stylish and track oriented. Besides they carry a lot of performance hop-ups.

Just try to see if there is a local trak around your neighborhood and see what you may like and if know people ask them to let you drive it.

Good luck

Rtsbasic
12-07-2005, 12:31 PM
The TL01 can be upgraded with more powerful motors (any standard 540), an ESC will give you "digital proportion" throttle/brake response (I think his referring to the mechanical 2 step speed controllers cheap models use), and you can play with gear ratio's to give more accel or top end. Its a good durable car to start off with, but personally I'd have recommended a TC4 RTR, or if you want offroad a Duratrax Evader ST w/ESC. Evaders are strong and can be hopped up as much as you want.

suckfish
12-07-2005, 06:11 PM
hey why not try a new mini? like a Losi Mini T , Mini LST, RC18T, RC18B all sell for under 200 and are total upgradeable.. it's the best way for a budget.. my Mini T probly goes around 40mph with the Mamba brushless.. http://home.comcast.net/~roundyr/roundyr.html

suckfish
12-07-2005, 06:16 PM
xillix , you should really go visit the local hobby shop down in enfield. Go on a Sat. or Sun. around noon and you can see first hand what people are running.. Also any questions you might have will get answered first hand.. http:\\www.rcmadness.com

xilix
12-07-2005, 07:10 PM
Thanks for all the help guys. I just ordered myself a Tamiya TL01 (NSX Body) with full bearing set, speed tuned gears, Stabalizer, tie rod up grades, XS POWER motor, GMP blue foam bumper, carbon main drive shaft, HPI V Groove tires, HPI Super Star Rims. Comes with 2 Batteries, 2 house chargers, 1 Protect DC Charger, Sorex 28 compound tire and rims, Stock Motor, Motor heat sink, Reciever/speed controll, and Radio. All for $100 on E-bay. Should be here by Friday or Monday. Can't wait to have some fun with it. In the Spring I want to buy a Duratrax Evader for some off-road capabilities.

Suckfish, I'll have to go check out that shop sometime soon.

tadium54
12-07-2005, 07:14 PM
wow, thats a really good price for all that stuff. good score. let us know if you need any more help

suckfish
12-07-2005, 07:28 PM
Also go on a Tuesday or Friday night to see some of the best 1/18th scale racing on the east coast.. Some of the guys that run at Madness are some of the best around.. Home track to Mike Dumas..

xilix
12-07-2005, 10:23 PM
Turns out that this RTR comes with not just one motor but TWO. 1 XS power 19turn motor and 1 XS power 27 turn motor (along with the stock 540). He sent everything that he had, that delt with the car, as a bonus. He said it has a ton of spare parts.

Woohoo! I'm on my way back into the hobby!